City of San Angelo streamlines public information requests

The City of San Angelo has launched a more efficient online system for requesting public information that will deliver documents more quickly.

Author:
Sandy Rojas

Published:
10:06 AM CST December 3, 2018

Updated:
10:09 AM CST December 3, 2018

SAN ANGELO — The City of San Angelo has launched a more efficient online system for requesting public information that will deliver documents more quickly, according to a press release from COSA’s Public Information Office.

Administered by the city clerk’s office, the new system can be accessed at cosatx.us/OpenRecords. To request an open record or a piece of public information, citizens can fill out a short, simple online form. Responses to common requests will include answers and links to existing information, reducing wait times for the public. Data will be transmitted through secure links. Additionally, the system offers an archive of past and frequent requests.

“We believe citizens will love this system,” interim City Clerk Julia Antilley said in the release. “It’s excessively friendly for users, and has proven it can produce information seamlessly. We’re eager for the public to use it and to offer us feedback.”

The system also allows for a more efficient use of City resources, by eliminating attachments, saving bandwidth and space on computer servers. It also reduces staff time by monitoring due dates, tracking which employees have responded to multi-department requests, eliminating the need to deliver large files on thumb drives, and automatically processing requests for existing information.

Additionally, the system helps with redactions by identifying patterns, such as credit card numbers and labeling redactions to provide clarity to requestors. It also tracks staff time spent on requests that require reimbursement of reasonable costs related to reproducing the information that is being sought.

Requests may also continue to be filed in the City Clerk’s office on the second floor of City Hall, 72 W. College Ave., from 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.